For Your Diary: What’s On In Hong Kong For October

Phew, time sure flies by! Who knew it was already the month of Halloween and HK’s second round of art galore? We’ve got all the cultural happenings and fun events this month lined up in our For Your Diary for October… there’s loads of unmissable events to check out!

Battle of the BakersIf you’re an avid watcher of The Great British Bake Off (or any cooking show, really!) and you’re a competitive type, check out Umami Concepts and The Rose Petal Cakery‘s Battle of the Bakers. You’ll have the opportunity to train in some of HK’s best kitchens and learn from the greatest chefs in our city, and then put your skills to the test with a cook off each week. So for all the potential Mary Berry’s and Paul Hollywood’s out there – this one’s for you!

When: Submit your entry before 27 September (that’s coming soon!), and the final 50 contestants will be announced next week.Where: A couple of venues around town. The first battle will take place at Umami Concepts Kitchen Studio, 35 Bonham Road, Hong Kong.How much: Registration is $500. If you’re one of the lucky ones to get chosen to take par, there’s a $3,000 participation fee to cover the entire competition. Apply here.

Breast Cancer Awareness MonthThink pink for October as it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At Sassy HQ, we’re supporting in different ways, including with our annual Pink Hour (stay tuned for more details!). If you’d like to show your support, the 10th Pink Walk for Breast Health is taking place at The Peak courtesy of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Check out their website for other ways on how you can show your support.

When: October

Run For Your LivesAn obstacle race is surely one for school kids, right? Wrong! Action X, a Singapore-based sports and entertainment company bring Run For Your Lives to Hong Kong. It’s a zombie run that’ll have even the strong ones terrified! Unfortunately, tickets to the popular event in the ‘Kong are sold out, but it’s taking place in some of Asia’s top cities too, in case you’re keen and would like to arrange your holiday plans around a fun run…

Asia Contemporary Art ShowOne of the biggest art shows in Asia returns to the ‘Kong! Check out the Asia Contemporary Art Show, which will exhibit more than 2,500 pieces of art from all over the world. And if you’re so inclined, they’ll be up for sale too. Hey, who knows, you may find that awesome painting to hang above the bed… or a 3D installation. If paintings aren’t your thing, there’s also photography and sculptures from emerging artists.

When: 2-5 OctoberWhere: Conrad Hong Kong, One Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong KongHow much: VIP tickets are $260 which includes entry to the popular VIP Art Night on 3 October and entry to the VIP lounge all weekend. Regularly priced tickets are $180, which includes access to the show on all days and a complimentary drink. Tickets are available from www.hkticketing.com or by calling 3128 8288.

Fine Art AsiaAs if one art fair wasn’t enough this month, there’s one more! The Fine Art Asia fair is dedicated to fine art and antiques. And the good news is, it’s in its 10th year! Check out antiques including ancient Chinese and Himalayan bronzes, furniture, decorative arts, textiles and jades. See you there!

Sir Roger Norrington & Zurich Chamber OrchestraMozart and Beethoven lovers will simply adore the sounds of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra, featuring piano virtuoso HJ Lim and conducted by Sir Roger Norrington. Indeed, the sir was knighted in 1980 for his services to the classical music industry around the world. The Zurich Chamber Orchestra, meanwhile, is renowned for its recordings for many major global brands such as Omega and Sony… yep, you heard us right! Don’t miss out on this match made in heaven!

Yuri Honing Acoustic QuartetChill out with a bit of jazz at Duddell’s… yep, it’s one of our fave joints for a champagne brunch (check out our review here!), and for one night only, they’re hosting the Yuri Honing Acoustic Quartet. Featuring the Dutch saxophonist, it’ll be a relaxing evening for jazz lovers.

When: 4 October, 8.30pmWhere: Duddell’s, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong KongHow much: Advance tickets are $270 for members and $315 for non-members and are available here. At the door, it’s $300 for members and $350 for non-members. All tickets include a drink!

8th Annual HK International English Comedy Competition – The FinalWe love a good bit of stand up comedy at Sassy HQ – after all, nothing beats a good giggle on a Friday night over a pint or two! Check out the final of the HK International English Comedy Competition this month. The contenders haven’t been announced yet, but host and comedian Tom Cotter will have you in stitches!

Club CUBIC presents AfrojackWe all need a little rave from time to time! There’s something about putting your dancing shoes on and just going nuts… and doing it in Macau, Asia’s sin city, is even better! Club CUBIC presents Dutch DJ Afrojack this month. Get ready to dance the night away to hits including “The Spark” featuring Spree Wilson, and the classic “Take Over Control” featuring Eva Simons. Time to party!

When: 4 October, 11.30pm onwardsWhere: Club CUBIC, Level 2, The Shops at The Boulevard, City of DreamsHow much: Tickets are $450 and available here.

Hong Kong vs ArgentinaMessi fans, you’ll want to check this one out! This month, you need to check out Hong Kong Stadium for a night of fanatic football fun. Hong Kong will be playing Leo Messi and his Argentinian chums. Cute, sweaty men running around in our backyard? We’re down…

Faux
Boutique rug and home ware store Faux has collaborated with a group of Australian artists to create a limited edition series of ceramic sets. The ceramic sets will appeal to collectors of both contemporary art and lovers of modern home ware. Check out the collection at the launch party in the first week of October.

YirumaWe welcome South Korean pianist Yiruma to HK with open arms! The musician and composer will be playing in our city for the first time for a piano recital. If this is sounding like your thing, be sure to check him out! Fastest finger first, and all that jazz.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestNaiad Productions returns with a theatre showing of the cult classic One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. All good plays are set in institutions… (think ‘A Clockwork Orange’!), and this one is no different. Trying to reduce his prison sentence, character Randle McMurphy agrees to get committed, but quickly realises this is a mistake. The drama unfolds…

Hong Kong Classic Car and Vintage FestivalWe’re not one to get road rage, after all, we’re often hopping on HK’s super efficient public transport system. But a sexy, vintage car is just so James Bond, no? Check out the first ever Classic Car and Vintage Festival this year if you’re an automobile enthusiast. If not, put on your vintage gear (check out our guide to vintage stores in the city for some inspiration!) and head over, as it’s all vintage-themed.

Craft Beer FlotillaSun, sea, sand… the only thing missing from that is an ice cold one! If this is sound good to you, head out with Lazydays on their very first Craft Beer Flotilla. Whack on that swimsuit and those sunnies for a day out around HK on a boat… it’s the perfect end to junk season!

Pink Champagne Morning TeaThere’s no better way to celebrate October’s pink month than with a Pink Champagne Morning Tea! And at the Australian Consul-General’s residence no less. Join Diane Tighe, the wife of the consul-general, for a morning of all things pink – lamingtons, artwork and more in support of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. Look out for other pink events around town this month, all in support of this worthy cause.

When: 15 October, 10.30am-12.30pmWhere: Residence of the Australian Consul-General. The address will be sent to you via post once you’ve confirmed your spot.How much: $400 for members and $500 for non-members. Tickets are available here. The address will be sent to you closer to the time once you’ve confirmed your place.

JLL Farmer’s MarketYep, it’s true, we love a good market at Sassy. And Jones Lang LaSalle are launching their first ever Farmer’s Market this month. It’ll feature urban farmers and young entrepreneurs to join the event to showcase, promote and sell their products. If you’re looking for organically grown vegetables, handmade products and Made in HK social enterprises including coffee from Blackshot Coffee, the farmer’s market is great if you’re looking for something fun to do!

Marco Polo German Bierfest 2014Nothing beats a cold one, so why not join in the fun at the German Bierfest? There’ll be German beers, bratwursts and even a band! In its 23rd year, you’ve got plenty of time to check this one out and network as it’s on for quite a while. Enjoy this one, fräuleins!

When: 19 October-8 NovemberWhere: Viewing Platform, Level 6, Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong KongHow much: Tickets for Sunday-Thursday are $140 and include one beer, tickets for Friday and Saturday are $240 and include one beer and a beer mug. All tickets are available from www.hkticketing.com or by calling 3128 8288.

Banned in Burma: Painting under CensorshipThis one’s an art exhibition with a serious and sensitive tone. Check out Banned in Burma: Painting under Censorship, a collection of paintings done by artists who laboured to express themselves. It’s a rare glimpse into a community who’ve been repressed by the military for decades – and the first international exhibit for many of them.

Michaela Rabitsch & Robert Pawlik QuartetFancy a bit of jazz? Check out the stylings of Michaela Rabitsch and partner Robert Pawlik as they perform in Hong Kong. Hailing from Austria, Rabitsch will be sure to get you grooving along to the smooth tones of her trumpet. In support of their new album Voyagers, the quartet is travelling the globe wooing the world with their music.

The Great American BBQThere’s something about southern American cuisine that just screams… BBQ! Smack in the middle of 4 July celebrations and Thanksgiving, The Great American BBQ will include a rib eating competition, a beer drinking competition, face painting, live music, movie screenings and so much more! We’re really looking forward to this one at Sassy HQ… we’ll definitely see you there!

Sedan Chair Race and BazaarThe one-day fest at Matilda Hospital returns this year, bringing with it more sedan chair fun. As per usual, teams from all over Hong Kong can enter to race in sedan chairs. And it’s all for charity! If racing isn’t your thing, head over anyway to support those participating. It’ll be a fun day out too, with food, market stalls and live music galore!

When: 25 October, the races will be from 10am-12noon and the bazaar will carry on until 4pmWhere: Matilda Hospital, 41 Mount Kellet Road, The Peak, Hong KongHow much: Entry is free

Foodlink Fundraiser Boat OutingWe love supporting local charities and home-grown causes, including fantastic Foodlink Foundation(read more about them in our Sassy Supports here). They’re hosting a boat outing on one of the two October public holidays (we’re totally lucky with the number of public holidays we get!) and they’d love for you to be there! But hurry, as registration officially closes on 30 September. More details here!

When: 2 October, 11.30am-6.30pmWhere: Board at Aberdeen PierHow much: $1,500 for a regular ticket, $1,750 for a regular ticket plus an entry into the raffle draw. Price includes delicious food and drinks all day long, a free duffel bag from Herschel Supply Co. and accessories from Foodlink!

Times Square Korea FestivalWe love all things Korean – Gangnam Style, BBQ, Bibimbap… the list goes on! So we’re particularly excited about the Korea Festival at Times Square this month. There’ll be art exhibitions by leading Korean artists including Cho Young Chui and Jun Shim, cooking demonstrations and more! Oh, and if you’re curious about how to wear a traditional Korean hanbok, then this is the place to come!

Where’s He/Me?We all love a bit of cabaret! Check out the super cool one-woman show by Claudia Chan, and watch as she explores feelings of abandonment and rejection on her journey in ‘Where’s He/Me?’. The main character goes on a journey to find out where her heart belongs – is it he or is it me, she questions. Grab the girls; this is definitely one for a night out.

When: 30 October-1 November, 8pmWhere: Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong KongHow much: Tickets bought before 8 October are $180, bought on or after 9 October, they’re $150 for Fringe Club members and $200 for non-members. All tickets are available from www.hkticketing.com or by calling 3128 8288.

Halloween!The end of October means one thing – Halloween! There’s lots going on around town, including Ocean Park’s famed Halloween Fest and Lan Kwai Fong’s Halloween Street Party. This year, the theme of the LKF street party is Black Romance… we’re anticipating many people dressed up in a Lady Gaga-esque outfit! For something a bit different form the norm, check out SCREAM at Madame Tussauds – you’ll be surrounded by a mix of live performers and wax monsters.

When: 31 October

Hong Kong Harbin Ice FestivalWe’re not in Kansas, but we’re certainly in Hong Kong, and this season brings with it the Hong Kong Harbin Ice Festival. It’s one of four ice festivals around the world, and the original in Harbin is the largest and earliest ice sculpture exhibition ever. You’ll get to experience a winter wonderland and you won’t even have to skip town! Winter is coming…

Shaneli

I was brought up in hot and humid Hong Kong and I'm forever using that as an excuse to travel to cooler climes! I love tea, scones, lemon meringue pie and all things royal. I spend a lot of time gawking at and buying shoes that I sometimes can't afford, and getting my nails done (my first review for Sassy was for a nail salon!). I enjoy wine - Pinot Noir for me, please, or a chilled glass of Riesling if the weather is hot. One day, I will be writing my novel in a cottage by a lake, a la Colin Firth in Love Actually.